A delegation representing the West African regional bloc ECOWAS departed Niger on Friday, failing to execute their planned activities, which included a scheduled meeting with the leader of the junta responsible for the recent coup that overturned the country's government.
The delegation had arrived in the capital city, Niamey, on Thursday but left prematurely, contrary to their initial plans. A member of the delegation was quoted by the French AFP news agency confirming this development.
ECOWAS's Proposed Agenda:
The delegation, led by former leader President Abdulsalami Abubakar, was set to hold discussions with coup leader Abdourahamane Tiani to present ECOWAS's expectations and demands. Additionally, they intended to meet with Niger's ousted President Mohamed Bazoum.
The regional bloc had issued an ultimatum, giving the junta a deadline until Sunday to reinstate Bazoum. Although ECOWAS indicated the willingness to resolve the crisis through peaceful means, they also emphasized the possibility of using force if necessary.
Military Response Consideration:
Simultaneously, the region's defense chiefs have been engaged in a multi-day meeting in the Nigerian capital, Abuja, discussing potential military responses to the crisis. The outcome of this meeting is anticipated later on Friday.
Junta's Firm Stand:
The junta, however, staunchly rejected ECOWAS's demands and the threat of military intervention. In a statement aired on national television, one of the coup leaders warned that any form of aggression against Niger would trigger an immediate and unanticipated response from the country's Defense and Security Forces.
Further Actions and International Concerns:
In a series of actions, the junta announced the termination of the roles of the country's ambassadors to Nigeria, Togo, the US, and France. These countries are pivotal players in ECOWAS's negotiation and mediation efforts.
Meanwhile, ousted President Mohamed Bazoum penned an op-ed in the Washington Post, pleading for an end to the coup and highlighting the potential dangers of military rule spreading across the Sahel region. He also expressed concerns about Russia's growing influence in the region through groups like the Wagner Group. Bazoum urged the international community, particularly the US government, to support the restoration of Niger's constitutional order amidst the ongoing crisis.
"In our hour of need, I call on the US government and the entire international community to help us restore our constitutional order," Bazoum wrote.
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